US House subcommittee propses aid conditions for Pakistan

In order to increase pressure on Pakistan, a Congressional committee in its budgetary proposals has prohibited economic and security assistance to Pakistan until Secretary of State Hillary Clinton certifies.

The US House Appropriations subcommittee observed, “The legislation prohibits economic and security assistance unless the government of Pakistan is cooperating with the US on counterterrorism efforts and other issues”.

No assistance under the Economic Support Fund, International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement, Foreign Military Financing Program and the Pakistan Counterinsurgency Capability Fund will be released until the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton certifies such to the committee, the draft of the fiscal-year 2013 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill proposed.

According to the proposed draft, the government of Pakistan must cooperate with American in counterterrorism efforts against the Haqqani Network, Al-Qaeda, Quetta Shura Taliban, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Muhammad and other local and international militant outfits.

Chairman subcommittee Hal Rogers observed, “It is more important than ever that taxpayer dollars be used in the most efficient, frugal, and common-sense way to balance our international responsibilities with the very real economic and financial challenges we face here at home”.

The drafts of the committee also asked Pakistan to end support of such groups prevent them from basing and operating in the Pakistani territory for carrying out cross border attacks.

Hillary Clinton must also certify that Pakistan is not assisting militants against the US or allied battling forces in Afghanistan, the bill added.

It also asks Pakistan to take solid steps against IEDs, which is said to be responsible for most casualties of the forces in Afghanistan. The US aid would be suspended if a set of benchmark were not met set for Pakistan to act accordingly.

According to the draft, Pakistan will have to provide certification its military and intelligence agencies are not intervening extra-judicially into political and judicial processes in the country.

The bill has slashed funding for the Global War on terror by $3 billion to $8.2 billion, which has reduced funding for programs in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan, the press statement added.

Earlier on Monday, the chairman of the House Armed Services committee introduced a draft where he proposed making aid to Pakistan subject to reopening of the NATO supply routes, along with demonstrable cooperation and actions in other sectors.

1 COMMENT

I knew it was coming!
Lets see the how the “braves” brave this.
To Political leaders: You talked the “talk” now walk the “walk”. Unless “Uncle” treat you like you’re supposed to be treated you won’t correct your ways, would you? Stubbornness is futile. Don’t run to “Auntie” for help now! She don’t like you either. Anyway, are you going to correct yourself or want the full treatment?